Chris started 4th in his heat, finishing 4th and started 6th in the feature ending up 6th as well. On a good note, the fuel issue is fixed and car is still in decent shape! The Shawn “Sheetz” McGarvey Memorial is next on tap at TVR and Chris and the team have their hopes set high to win this race in memory of their good friend who left us all way too soon! “It would be an emotional race to win,” stated Chris. “He and I always raced clean and had fun on and off the track.” The crew and he are also hoping to keep the car in good shape so they can have a nice piece to display for Cruisin’ For Courtney this coming Sunday. Hot rods, bikes and racecars will be on display for the free afternoon of browsing. Food and chances will also be available.
The first race of the year is normally Chris’s test and tune as he never is ready in time to utilize the scheduled practice days. TVR had a full field of cars for opening night and with a pill draw start saw Chris in the back of his heat race. Finishing 5th in that put him in the 15th starting spot for the feature. Chris eventually made it up to 6th only to pull in the infield with a fuel pump issue giving him a 14th place finish. Despite the problem, Chris pulled in the pits happy with how the car worked stating “it feels even better than last year. Once I fix the fuel pump we’ll be in good shape!” Happy to have the car in one piece the crew and he are anxious to get things fixed and back on track this coming Saturday.
The crew finished up the car this weekend and beside minor truck/trailer maintenance are ready to head to Thunder Valley for opening night this Saturday! Crew member, Dustin Leverknight’s car design was brought to life over the weekend giving the CR9 a new bold look for on the track. After coming off a winning end to 2011, the crew has high expectations for 2012. A never cocky, but always confident Chris stated, “Winning is done when your head is on straight, when you’re thinking clearly. Tie that in with a well maintained operation, a good crew and you’ll get to the flags before anyone else. We have that all in line so I’m hoping to see some more feature wins this year. But don’t forget, there are usually about 23 other guys on the track with the same attitude, they didn’t show up to lose either.”
So race fans, it is with a heavy foot and light heart that we get ready to enjoy our 21st year of racing with Chris Rhodes!! See you at the tracks!
You can feel the excitement in the CR9 shop as Chris and his crew near completion of the car for the 2012 season! Having ended 2011 with 4 dominating wins, they hope to keep the momentum going strong once they hit the track. It is with great pleasure they welcome on board The Slovak Educational Club of Windber to their already loyal list of sponsors: Lias Tire, Lazer Chassis, TC’s Fuel Injection, and Hillside Auto. Also new for 2012 is a different color scheme. 2012 plans include running a full season at Thunder Valley Raceway with sporadic trips over the mountain to Bedford Speedway, both tracks now being run by Joe Padula, the 3rd. With over 20 years of experience on the track and behind the scenes, you’ll find Chris Rhodes Racing to be a force to reckon with where ever he pulls in. Sportman and serious man behind the wheel yet offering crews and fans a close up look at the operation after the checkered flag flies…the entire evening at the track with this crew is “Nothin’ But a Good Time”.
